Jerome C. Varnum

Jerome C. Varnum, 69, of Bennington, NH died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

Jerome was born in Peterborough, NH on January 28, 1955. He was the son of Arthur and Aileen (Dupree) Varnum and was a graduate of ConVal High School.

Jerome married Barbara (Roy) Varnum on January 5, 1980 and they were about to celebrate their 45th anniversary in just a few days. They enjoyed many years of close family life and adventurous travel together.

Jerome enjoyed deer hunting in New Hampshire and New York, and surfcasting for striped bass along the eastern seaboard from Maine to New Jersey. He was a well-known and accomplished painter and artist throughout the Monadnock Region and beyond, and his works had been featured in several exhibits in the area, as well as in peoples homes. He was a writer of stories and a poet.

He made many friends through his personal and professional interests and was a kind and gentle man who was ready to help anyone with anything at any time. An excellent listener, he easily engaged people he met, and his friends were loyal and loving. He was a man who needed to be doing something at all times, and everyone around him benefitted from that energy. He always had a story to tell, from his hitchhiking days way back, to something he observed and made note of in his daily life.

He was a grateful member of AA and was 21 years sober at the time of his passing. Fellow members were like family to him and their support helped make him the man he was.

In addition to his parents, Jerome was also predeceased by his brother Michael in 2007.

He is survived by his children, Lisa (Varnum) Wildes of Hillsboro and George Varnum of Bennington, granddaughter Hannah Wildes of Bennington and great grandchildren Liam and Nora. His 4 sisters, Jane Varnum of Bennington, Abigail Van Alstyne, Sally Dyche, and Amy Gowell all of upstate New York; his brother, Luke Varnum of Greene, ME, and by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours or services at this time, but the family will plan a celebration of his life when the weather improves in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Jerome’s name to https://realitychecknow.networkforgood.com/projects/120863-help-end-overdose-death or to https://ccanh.org/.